Planning for YMCA Kids Classic moving forward

KINGSTON, N.Y. -- Planning for this year's YMCA Kids Classic is moving forward as the volunteer committee preps for the day of youth races on April 13 at Dietz Stadium.

The Kids Classic kicks off at 8 a.m. and will run through 1 p.m. at Dietz as youngsters from pre-schoolers to eighth graders compete on the track.

Committee spokesperson Kiersten DeCicco, who previously helped Kids Classic founder Dan Bigelow with the race, said all of the details are falling in place.

"We've got a committee of eight people, all whom are very experienced with running, getting things done," DeCicco said. "I joined the Y's board this past year and decided to get on the Kids Classic committee since I was familiar with it."

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DeCicco said the other members of the committee include Dave Kwasnowski, Mary Noone, Frank Passante, Steve Schallenkamp, Lenny Iannizzotto Jr., Eleni Dedovich and Steve Ackerman.

"We're all working hard to make this a great day," DeCicco said. "We each have our skills and have been able to divvy up the tasks that need to be done. It's a great group."

The day will start with the final mile for the competitors in the Y26.2 program as those youngsters complete the marathon distance of 26.2 miles.

DeCicco said about 80 youngsters are currently in training to complete the distance.

After that, it's onto the track for the 200 meters for second graders, 300 meters and mile runs for third graders, 400 meters and mile runs for fourth graders, fifth graders, sixth graders, seventh graders and eighth graders.

The day ends with 100 meter runs for first graders and 50 meter races on the football field for kindergartners and preschoolers.

"Our focus is completely on the races," DeCicco said. "We're not doing the long jump this year, and there's no expo, but we would like to get three or four kid-friendly activities in place.

"My hope is to get 1,000 kids running here again."

DeCicco also said that the t-shirt art contest from past years is back, with a special reward for the winner.

"The child that wins the t-shirt contest will have the YMCA bus come to their classroom and take the entire class to the Y for a swimming field trip," she said. "We'll provide refreshments and I'm sure all of the kids will have a fun time."

Applications for the Kids Classic are available online at the YMCA web site (www.ymcaulster.org) and paper ones are at the main desk.

DeCicco said local schools are joining in to raise attendance.

"The physical education teachers, especially in Kingston, have applications," she said. "The Kingston Teacher's Federation has been a great help to us and my guess is that we will have a lot of schools on board."

Entry fees for the Kids Classic are $5 before March 15, and $10 thereafter, including race day, starting at 7:30 a.m.

Those who register by March 15 are guaranteed a t-shirt and keeping with the "every kid's a winner" slogan, each participant will receive a medal upon completion of their race.

All proceeds benefit the Strong Kids Scholarship Program at the YMCA that provides financial assistance for children to attend camp and after-school programs.